Single Pin IC for Multi-Component LED Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED controllers require dedicated pins for each external component, limiting IC size and increasing costs due to the need for multiple pins to achieve enhanced functionality and control, which is often constrained by cost-driven business decisions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit configured to sense multiple external components using a single pin, allowing for the application of input signals and calculation of multiple control parameters based on output signals, thereby reducing the number of pins required and increasing functionality while minimizing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated pin is allocated for each external component, then measurement precision and control functionality are improved, but IC size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single IC pin to measure multiple external components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) through sequential measurement modes. The controller alternates between different measurement configurations (e.g., voltage mode, current mode, impedance mode) to extract parameters from different components using the same physical pin, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated pins for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement system reconfigurable and adaptive. The controller dynamically switches between different measurement modes and component configurations based on what needs to be measured. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same pin to serve multiple purposes at different times, optimizing the balance between measurement capability and pin utilization.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of IC pins is reduced to lower cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the number of control parameters and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the IC pin universal by enabling it to perform multiple measurement functions (resistance, capacitance, inductance, impedance) and control operations. Through software-controlled configuration changes, a single pin can adjust control parameters for different LED drivers, dimming controls, and protection functions, thereby maintaining high adaptability despite having fewer pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the electrical characteristics and measurement modes of the pin dynamically. By changing the operating parameters (voltage levels, timing sequences, signal types) of the same pin, the system can measure different component types and adjust different control parameters, thus expanding functionality without adding physical pins.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple external components are measured through a single pin, then IC size and cost are reduced, but measurement complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the IC controller automatically manage the complex measurement sequences and data processing without external intervention. The internal controller autonomously configures the pin for different measurement modes, executes the measurement sequences, and processes the data to extract component parameters, thereby reducing the burden on external circuitry and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the measurement results to automatically adjust control parameters and verify component functionality. The controller analyzes the response signals from the measurements and uses this feedback to determine accurate component values, adjust LED drive parameters, and trigger appropriate control actions, thereby managing complexity through intelligent closed-loop control.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple measurements may be obtained via a single pin of an integrated circuit (IC) to set multiple control parameters of a light emitting diode (LED) controller within the IC. For example, a first input signal may be applied from the IC to two or more components via a single IC pin. A first output signal may be obtained from the two or more components via the single IC pin. A second input signal may be applied from the IC to the two or more components via the single IC pin, and a second output signal may be obtained from the two or more components via the single IC pin. A first parameter and a second parameter of the two or more components may be calculated based, at least in part, on the first output signal and the second output signal obtained via the single IC pin.